Seven dead, dozens missing in migrant boat capsize off The Gambia

Gambian Authorities Report Capsizing of Boat Carrying Over 200 Migrants

A boat carrying more than 200 people has capsized off the coast of The Gambia, resulting in seven fatalities and at least 96 rescues, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday in the North Bank region.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the shipwrecked vessel was located “grounded into a sandbank” after a distress call was received. A search-and-rescue operation was launched, involving several naval vessels and a fishing boat that assisted with the rescue efforts.

The victims’ identities are being verified by authorities, with some reported to be non-Gambian nationals. The incident is part of a larger migration trend along the West African coast, where migrants and asylum seekers attempt to reach Spain’s Canary Islands by boat.

According to recent data, more than 46,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands in 2024, while over 10,000 people died attempting the journey across the Atlantic. However, irregular migration into the EU along this route has decreased by 60% during the first 11 months of 2025, attributed to stronger prevention efforts by departure countries.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach Europe on fragile vessels.

Source: Al Jazeera